What is a common side effect of oxygen therapy?

What is a common side effect of oxygen therapy?

• A. Nausea
• B. Dizziness
• C. Dry mucous membranes
• D. Bradycardia

Answer: (C)

Delivering oxygen at higher concentrations without humidity tends to dry the mucous membranes. The nasal passages, throat, and other moist surfaces rely on adequate humidity to stay comfortable and lubricated, so when the gas is delivered dry and at higher flow, mucous membranes can become dry, irritated, or crusty, and nosebleeds may occur. This is the most common local side effect of oxygen therapy, especially with longer use or higher flow rates, and it’s why humidified oxygen is often used to help keep tissues moist. Nausea, dizziness, and bradycardia aren’t typical or direct side effects of oxygen therapy. They might be related to the underlying condition or other factors, but the drying of mucous membranes is the standard, expected issue you’d anticipate with oxygen delivery.

Delivering oxygen at higher concentrations without humidity tends to dry the mucous membranes. The nasal passages, throat, and other moist surfaces rely on adequate humidity to stay comfortable and lubricated, so when the gas is delivered dry and at higher flow, mucous membranes can become dry, irritated, or crusty, and nosebleeds may occur. This is the most common local side effect of oxygen therapy, especially with longer use or higher flow rates, and it’s why humidified oxygen is often used to help keep tissues moist.

Nausea, dizziness, and bradycardia aren’t typical or direct side effects of oxygen therapy. They might be related to the underlying condition or other factors, but the drying of mucous membranes is the standard, expected issue you’d anticipate with oxygen delivery.